Swap Meet InformationCheck out a bunch of new/used kitesurfing gear currently owned by local kitesurfers or just swing by and hang out with the group to get acquainted with everyone and learn more about the sport of kitesurfing. The plan is to meet at Montrose Beach right near the Dog Fence (West side off Wilson Avenue exit), by the beach and water (green arrow on the map below). This area is perfect. Since we recently agreed with the city of Chicago to move the kite-launch area to the West side of the beach, we can pull our cars up and drop off gear easily, and its a grassy area without sand. This is a great opportunity for the windsurfers who have questions about kiteboarding, and to learn more about the differences between windsurfing and kitesurfing. The 2008 Swap Meet will be held May 10th at Montrose Wilson Ave. Beach area (Saturday).

The Swap Meet will run from 11am to 1pm, or until everyone decides to leave. This frees everyone up for a Dawn Patrol session, or riding after 1pm for the rest of the afternoon if there are North winds that day.

NOTE:Comments on the Swap Meet date and location are at the kitesurfing forumSince in May the winds may still be cold if from the North (winds are cold due to cold water) it is smart to bring a jacket with you.

Montrose LocationAbove is the aerial photograph of Montrose Harbor and park area at the North-side lakefront of Chicago. The swap meet will be held every year next to the beach in the small grassy area right by the Dog Walking area. The easiest access is to exit off Lake Shore Drive on Wilson (just North of Montrose Ave), take it straight to the water and park along the road between the main access and dog fence area. You can park right next to the kite launch area.

DirectionsFrom I-290 - Take I-290 into the city. Continue straight on Congress (I-290 turns into Congress Parkway). Take it until it dead-ends into the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Take a left. Then take your first right. Your next light is Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Make a left on LSD. Take LSD North about 10 minutes to the Wilson Avenue (just North of Montrose exit) exit. Exit and make a right at the stop sign into the park area. Follow the road up until the next stop sign. The water should be directly ahead. Go straight and park along the road at the West edge of the beach.

From I-55 - Take I-55 all the way to the end where it joins with Lake Shore Drive (LSD) at McCormick Place (large black building). Follow LSD North past downtown to the Wilson Avenue (just North of Montrose) exit. Exit and make a right at the stop sign into the park area. Follow the road up until the next stop sign. The water should be directly ahead. Go straight and park along the road at the West edge of the beach.

From I-90/94 from the South - Take I-90/94 to either I-55/LSD into the city, or I-290/Congress into the city to LSD North past downtown to the Wilson Avenue (just North of Montrose) exit. Exit and make a right at the stop sign into the park area. Follow the road up until the next stop sign. The water should be directly ahead. Go straight and park along the road at the West end of the beach by the dog area.

From I-90/94 from the North - Take I90/94 South. Just after I90 merges with I94, the first exit to your right will be Irving Park. Take Irving Park to the left (travelling East) into the city toward the lake. Continue on Irving Park for 15 minutes, or so, until it ends at Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Take a left onto LSD and the second exit is Wilson Avenue (just North of Montrose). Exit at Wilson and make a right at the stop sign. Follow the road up until the next stop sign. The water should be directly ahead. Go straight and park along the road at the West end of the beach.